Chapter 282
Book 25 Chapter 05 - Reunion After A Long Split
Compared to the past, w.a.n.g Jian is more tanned and muscular-looking. As a matter of fact, he has transformed into someone with a powerful and masterful aura. The most striking were his sharp and electrifying eyes, radiating an impressive sensation despite his calm demeanour, truly befitting the characteristic of this celebrated general.
With a sincere smile hanging on his face, w.a.n.g Jian gave Xiang Shaolong a bear hug before releasing a long sigh: "Does Third Brother know how much Little Brother has yearned for all of you?"
Teng Yi and Jing Jun leapt into their arms. As the four sworn brothers shared a group hug, it was such a touching and tear-jerking scene.
w.a.n.g Jian happily laughed and hugged Teng Yi and Jing Jun individually as a form of love. He observed: "Shaolong has lost some weight but you are much more awe-inspiring compared to the time when I left Xianyang."
Turning to Ji Yanran, he smiled: "Third Sister in Law is much prettier too."
The rest of the men started to swarm over, taking turns to shake hands and salute this renowned general.
Xiang Shaolong wondered: "When did Fourth Brother come back? Have you seen Crown Prince?"
w.a.n.g Jian mused: "Judging by my ordinary attire, you should have guessed that I came back secretly. Somehow, I felt that it is better for me to visit you guys first before paying my respects to Crown Prince."
As everyone was stunned at his words, Ji Yanran probed: "Why would Fourth Brother in Law possess such a mindset?"
In a deep voice, w.a.n.g Jian divulged: "To be honest, I had arrived three days ago but chose to endure the inconveniences and stayed in a secret place outside the city. In the meantime, I sent my men into the city to seek out information as I am concerned that Lu Buwei and Lao Ai had summoned me back by using a fake decree. Beyond my antic.i.p.ation, I got wind of some alternative news. It seems like Third Brother and Crown Prince are not on good terms."
Teng Yi questioned: "What updates did Fourth Brother receive?"
w.a.n.g Jian revealed: "Firstly, Crown Prince appears to have given permission for Third Brother and your clan to leave for the borderlands and secondly, Crown Prince and Third Brother are not as close as before. Unlike the past, Crown Prince no longer discuss his private affairs with Third Brother."
Jing Jun sighed: "Fourth Brother’s spies are really proficient."
Making up his mind, Xiang Shaolong invited: "Let’s enter the hall before we discuss any further!"
Sitting themselves in the inner hall, w.a.n.g Jian coldly grunted: "This time round, I have brought thirty thousand crack troops back with me. They are the best of the best and every single one of them is willing to die for me, w.a.n.g Jian. Fighting against these mere rebels? I only need to point my finger and I guarantee their absolute destruction."
He then sighed with a breath of air: "However, I am worried about Crown Prince and the possibility of him trying to harm Third Brother. As Crown Prince matures with age, he has become more and more formidable."
Everyone can easily deduce that w.a.n.g Jian must have received news about Yingzheng’s questionable heritage and is therefore making this a.s.sumption. To prevent Xiang Shaolong from being awkward and also as a sign of trust in Xiang Shaolong, he did not directly confront him.
The news of Yingzheng beheading Qian Zhi has taken the entire State by the storm. There is no reason for w.a.n.g Jian to be ignorant about it.
The ten eyes of Tao Fang, Ji Yanran, Jing Jun, Teng Yi and Wu Guo are all focused on Xiang Shaolong, letting him decide his explanation to w.a.n.g Jian.
Xiang Shaolong broke out into a wide smile: "Fourth Brother is truly worthy of the t.i.tle: Qin’s Top General. You had barely came back and your intelligence of Xianyang is so comprehensive."
He is indirectly affirming w.a.n.g Jian’s presumptions.
His eyes s.h.i.+mmering with brilliance, w.a.n.g Jian professed: "My enemies are the dim-witted Xiongnu while Third Brother is contending against the allied forces of the five eastern States. Since when did I, w.a.n.g Jian, become the top general?"
Pausing, w.a.n.g Jian went straight to the point: "Whatever Third Brother wants me, Fourth Brother to do, I will do exactly as per your instructions. You can speak without any reservations."
Xiang Shaolong burst out laughing. Stretching his hands and grabbing w.a.n.g Jian’s broad shoulders, he cheerfully exclaimed: "I want Fourth Brother to cleanse our State, wiping out all traces of Lu Buwei and Lao Ai. And a.s.sist Yingzheng in uniting the lands and build the Great Empire of Qin. In the process, Fourth Brother shall become the most ill.u.s.trious general in the records of history."
At this point in time, Qin has two Great Generals and they are Xiang Shaolong and w.a.n.g Jian. From the perspective of the Court of Qin, both men enjoy the highest respect and accolades internally and externally. Within the military, their standing is even more prominent.
If the two of them choose to work together, they will definitely pose a viable threat to Yingzheng.
However, Xiang Shaolong chose to simply reject w.a.n.g Jian’s suggestion and thereby preventing a Qin’s internal strife.
Of course the others do not know that Xiang Shaolong had already understood this fact from history: n.o.body can hope to overcome Qin s.h.i.+huang. As a result, he dared not even harbour any thoughts of staging his own rebellion.
Unconsciously, he won w.a.n.g Jian’s praises of admiration but Xiang Shaolong modestly expressed: "Fourth Brother is giving me too much credit. There are many areas that I would have to rely on you."
In a solemn tone, w.a.n.g Jian described: "In the history of our Great Qin, Crown Prince can be considered our wisest and most scheming ruler, while Li Si’s capabilities is not inferior to Shang Yang. But if we are talking about meeting on the battlefield, I, w.a.n.g Jian, fear n.o.body except Third Brother and Li Mu. In terms of scheming, you can never be safe against underhand methods. What are Third Brother’s plans?"
Xiang Shaolong enquired: "Is Fourth Brother aware of Crown Prince’s military deployment?"
w.a.n.g Jian unabashedly shared: "The main strength of Crown Prince lies mainly in the Imperial Palace Guards and the Imperial Cavalry. Lately, the Palace Guards have been actively recruiting personnel and their strength has been boosted to fifty thousand. Regardless of training, equipment and remuneration, they are far better off compared to the other forces. In addition, they are fiercely loyal towards Crown Prince. They are the ones Third Brother have to guard against."
Xiang Shaolong recalled that day when Lord Changwen chased up to him from the palace and advised himself to give up his plans to leave for the borderlands. Unfortunately, he was rejected unreservedly by Xiang Shaolong.
After all, Lord Changping and Lord Changwen are members of the royal family. Blood is thicker than water. In case of a dispute, they would definitely side with Xiao Pan.
w.a.n.g Jian added: "Against these rebels, Crown Prince should have logically summoned Huan Qi back. Instead, he summoned An Guxi all the way back from the Qin-Chu Border. Based on this point alone, I am certain that he has the intention to confront Third Brother."
Teng Yi was thunderstruck: "An Guxi is back? Why are we kept in the dark?"
In a deep voice, w.a.n.g Jian established: "This is Crown Prince’s secret attack force. However, I have yet to determine the size of his army. I only know that he has left the border and is camped somewhere between Xianyang and Yongdu. Upon receiving the royal decree, he can reach Xianyang or Yongdu within a day."
Like Lord Changping and Lord Changwen, An Guxi is a member of the royal family and would definitely support Yingzheng in times of trouble. No wonder w.a.n.g Jian could speculate that Yingzheng is having unfavourable thoughts about Xiang Shaolong.
Xiang Shaolong solemnly swore: "I don’t give a hoot about his deployments. As long as Fourth Brother can secure the fake Xiang Shaolong’s departure from Yongdu,